BRIEFINGS INDUSTRY.
LIVE ACTION Sony’s camera is a stepping stone to 4K productions
APPLE SHELVES METROPOLIS
Apple TV+ series Metropolis has been shelved due to the ongoing writers’ strike and rising pre-production costs. The adaptation of Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi classic was part of Sam Esmail’s deal with Universal Content Productions (UCP). However, the latter said the project would not be moving forward due to ‘push costs’ and uncertainty related to the strike. It has been reported that Metropolis had been facing an uncertain future for several weeks, with the show’s script drafts incomplete when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike began on 2 May. Production was slated for this summer, but UCP decided to pull the series after weighing up risks associated with the strike and how it might impact the shooting schedule, resulting in higher costs for “building and holding expansive stages, labour and VFX work.” The writers’ strike has impacted several shows and movies, with Disney said to be delaying the release dates of its Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar movies. The WGA is advocating for equitable contracts with producers and studios; improved conditions within the TV sector, such as increased residuals and minimum writers’ room sizes; and safeguards against the use of AI technology.
SONY ADDS HXC-FZ90 TO SIMPLIFIED 4K LIVE PRODUCTION LINE-UP
companies looking for a flexible way to switch at will between 4K, HD and HDR,” said Norbert Paquet, head of live production, Sony Europe. “They may still produce most commissions in HD but know they need to future-proof and want to be able to respond to briefs with a 4K or HDR component.” Other key features include a single chip 2/3-inch 4K CMOS sensor with B4 mount enabling 2000 TVL resolution, and a 4K licence available on weekly or monthly basis – or purchased as a permanent feature. The HXC-FZ90 also offers simplified cabling with prompters or PTZ cameras by network trunk (Ethernet), a stereo mini jack connector for simple headset connection and an advanced focus-assist feature.
Sony has unveiled a new live-production- system camera, described as an affordable option for broadcasters and events companies needing a quality solution for a 4K-ready production system. The HXC-FZ90 camera is designed for event production companies, esport organisations, houses of worship and educational institutions that are looking to switch from HD to 4K. Its familiar design and operations make the camera easy to switch over and it also supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and S-Log3 for Sony’s SR Live workflow, which enables HDR production in either HD or 4K. “As production formats diversify according to projects, we are seeing more
Cineworld files for administration
Cineworld Group, the world’s second-largest cinema chain operator, is set to file for administration in the UK as part of a restructuring plan to tackle its $8.8 billion debt. The London-listed shares will be suspended in July, while administrators will transfer all assets to a new subsidiary called Crown. The lenders will become the sole owners of Crown with Cineworld relinquishing its interest. This will release $4.53 billion of debt, add $1.46 billion in new financing and raise $800 million in a rights offering. The owner of Regal and Picturehouse had abandoned plans to sell businesses earlier.
19. AUGUST 2023
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